Luxury Ambassador of the Month
Janneke Palmen, Founder of Palmen Collection · Netherlands
What sparked your passion for luxury travel?
"My passion for hospitality began when I started working at Hostellerie Munten, a renowned hotel and restaurant in the south of the Netherlands, at the age of 16. I loved creating memorable experiences for guests and their loved ones! After graduating from the Hotel Management School in Maastricht, I joined the top concierge agency in the Netherlands which I owned and operated until 2023. Following the successful sale of that business, I focused on ultra-luxury travel to assist clients with bespoke travel arrangements. What I’m most passionate about is crafting unforgettable moments and ensuring that every detail contributes to a seamless and personalized experience. It’s incredibly rewarding to help people create lifelong memories through travel."
Career
- 2006 - 2010: Hotel Management School Maastricht
- 2010 – 2023: Running Concierge Agency Con Questa
- 2024: Founding Palmen Collection
- 2025: Member of Traveller Made
When you travel: Do you prefer cell phone or real camera?
"I’m definitely a cell phone photographer. My clients are always curious about the destinations I visit, so I keep them updated by sharing photos and videos throughout my trips. Most of what I post online is also taken with my phone, as it captures the authentic look and feel of a destination in the moment. It allows me to share experiences in a spontaneous, honest, and relatable way, something my clients truly appreciate. line."
Which travel themes do you specialize in?
"I work with clients who travel several times a year, primarily for holidays with family and friends and occasionally for business or incentive trips. What matters most to me is building a strong, personal relationship with each client, so I can anticipate their expectations, ensuring every trip is seamless, personalised and stress-free. Whether it’s a private villa in Europe, a luxury ski resort, a city trip, a safari in Africa, or a relaxing escape to the Indian Ocean, I take care of it all. I also focus on wellness travel and personally experience many of these resorts to provide the best tailored advice."
Which trip truly gave you goosebumps?
"One of the most moving experiences I've been part of was organizing a safari in Tanzania for a family. They stayed in some of the most breathtaking lodges, from the wildlife-rich Tarangire region to the Ngorongoro Crater. Their final days were spent at the exceptional Singita lodges, where the service and setting made a lasting impression on them, and on me as their travel advisor. To end their journey, they had time to unwind and reflect on the beaches of Zanzibar. Knowing I helped create such meaningful and memorable moments for this family gave me goosebumps."
What was the most challenging journey you have ever created for a client?
"One of the most demanding projects I worked on was organizing a wedding anniversary celebration for a couple who wanted to spend the weekend in Saint-Tropez with their loved ones. The group arrived by private jet and stayed at a private estate secured exclusively for the occasion. Planning this event last minute made finding the perfect location that could accommodate all guests particularly difficult. But with the support of my partners we managed to secure a magical venue where the clients enjoyed a weekend filled with love, joy, and unforgettable moments."
Which destinations are still on your personal bucket list?
"Japan is still high on my personal travel wish list. I work closely with a trusted partner who is specialized in combining luxury travel with authentic local experiences. I recently curated a bespoke itinerary to Japan for one of my clients, and it reminded me just how unique and diverse the destination is. Whether it’s a family-friendly journey or an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Japan offers an incredible blend of tradition, innovation, and natural beauty, making it a place I can’t wait to explore for myself."
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